Perfect bow trainer

ABSTRACT

A hand-held device to replicate the entire process of shooting an arrow out of a bow without ever shooting an arrow is disclosed. Our shooting device consists of a simple bungee cord (# 4 ) which is attached on the handle (# 1 ) which forms a loop and at the center of the loop a D-loop (# 5 ) is attached. This provides for an almost fool-proof operation and is nearly identical to holding an actual bow and shooting it. There are no guides that the cord must slip into; the bungee simply moves forward upon release replicating the shooting of an actual bow. We have provided a Wrist Strap (# 6 ) which assures that upon release the shooting device does not leave the shooters hand potentially causing damage or injury. Our shooting device has bubble levels (# 2  &amp;  3 ) which the shooter can view when they are holding the D-loop back at their anchor point which will assist them in knowing whether they are holding the handle (# 1 ) (bow) in a correct level position. Our product replicates the entire process of shooting a bow except it&#39;s not a bow and there is no arrow. Ours is safe, reliable, easy to use, small, packable, light-weight, will build confidence in the archer, can be used anywhere, will teach newcomers how to use a release, will help with “target panic” and will build consistency in the shooter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/981,093, filed on Apr. 17, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments generally relate to an archery training device.

BACKGROUND

Everyone who shoots archery for long will eventually pick up bad habits including “target panic” which will often require many hours of practice and even expensive coaching at a shooting range to be corrected. Many of these people get frustrated when they can't take the time and incur the expense to correct the problems and will either live with their poor habits or quit shooting all together. In addition, most people who shoot a bow do not have 24×7 access to a safe shooting range yet archery is the same as most sports: practice makes for consistent performance and accuracy.

Currently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928 uses two (2) guide members (10 & 16) with some sort of elastic cord running thru those guide members with a bar (34) attached to each guide. This method overly complicates the “shooting” or “releasing” process, can easily get in the way of the archers “bow arm” causing misalignments of the bow arm, is not consistent with today's modern bows and has a high degree of potential failure as the cord attempts to slip back into the guides upon firing (releasing). In addition U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928 states that “the handle grip member 12 can be filled with a weighting material 56, such as lead shot, to accomplish a desired weight. Preferably, the archery practice device 10 is weighted to simulate the weight of an actual bow. Since actual bow weights vary, the user can modify the amount of weighting material, and the type of weighting material to achieve a desired weight. For example, to achieve a weight of approximately 2.5 lbs., the hand grip can be filled with poured hot lead.” Today's modern bows weigh between 3.6 lbs. and 4.8 lbs. without any attachments. They are anywhere from 27 inches to 38 inches in length. Because the weight of the bow is spread out over the entire length having all the weight in the handle will not in any way replicates the actual holding of a bow. Without a wrist strap there is a near 100% likelihood that the shooter, upon release of the elastic device will lose control of their practice device and find that it has shot out in front of them causing potential damage or injury particularly when filled with several pounds of weight. While having a “sight” may sound like a good idea but because it is neither moveable nor removable it is not practical and would never replicate the shooting of a modern compound bow. Our shooting device concentrates on the most important parts of consistent shooting: The bow arm, the grip, the anchor, the level and the release while not being concerned about holding multiple pounds of concentrated weight in your bow arm. Without at least a horizontal bubble level the shooter can only guess as to whether or not they are holding the handle level. Holding the handle level is critical to consistent shooting.

Our shooting device consists of a simple bungee cord (#4) which is attached on the handle (#1) which forms a loop and at the exact center of the loop a D-loop #5 is attached for attaching a hand held mechanical release. This provides for an almost fool-proof operation and is nearly identical to holding an actual bow and shooting it. There are no guides that the cord must slip into; the bungee simply moves forward upon release replicating the shooting of an actual bow. We have provided a Wrist Strap (#6) which assures that upon release the shooting device does not leave the shooters hand potentially causing damage or injury. Our shooting device has bubble levels (#2 and 3) which the shooter can view when they are holding the D-loop (#5) back at their anchor point which will assist them in knowing whether they are holding the handle (#1) in a correct level position. Our product replicates the entire process of shooting a bow except it's not a bow and there is no arrow. Ours is safe, reliable, easy to use, small, packable, light-weight, will build confidence in the archer, can be used anywhere, will teach newcomers how to use a release, will help with “target panic” and will build consistency in the shooter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The handle (#1) is grabbed by the archer and the wrist strap (#6) is attached around the person's wrist and secured with a knot. If the archer is right handed they would grab the handle by the left hand. The archer picks up their release aid (not supplied) with the opposite hand. With the release aid they attach it to the D-loop (#5) on the cord still holding the handle in the other hand. They straighten out their “bow (handle) arm” to a point where they have just a slight bend; using the identical bend they would use when they are holding their own bow up in their hand (see Perspective Views—In use). With the release attached to the D-loop (#5) they pull back on the release and anchor the release exactly the way they would with their own bow against their mouth or jaw. They will check their form and the level in the bubbles (#2 & 3) and when satisfied they will release the release aid and the D-loop (#5 and attached to the cord) will be released and will spring forward at 10-18 pounds of pressure. Similar to the pressure exerted by the average compound bow of today. While they are doing this they can easily be watching themselves in a mirror to make sure their form is consistent and the release is smooth. Almost identical to shooting a real bow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 Shows all Angles of the Invention and are described below

The Version of The Invention Discussed Here Includes:

-   -   1. The handle is a piece of hardwood or polymer between 10-18         inches in length.     -   2. The horizontal level is a simple bubble level approximately         ¾-1 inch in length imbedded in the handle.     -   3. The vertical level is a simple bubble level approximately ¾-1         inch in length imbedded in the handle.     -   4. Elastic cord, similar in material to a standard construction         bungee cord 36-48 inches in total length and when installed will         provide 10-18 pounds of resistance.     -   5. The D-Loop is a common item, used in archery which is         composed of similar material that a bow string is made of and         may be tied directly to the elastic cord or be contained in a         ¾-1½ inch piece of polymer.     -   6. The wrist-strap is a piece of parachute cord or a leather         strip 8-10 inches in total length.     -   7. Thumb cover is a removable piece of molded plastic attached         to the handle with screws and will only be used if a person         thinks their thumb might be impacted by the elastic cord     -   8. Hole drilled thru the handle #1 for elastic cord (#4) to go         thru     -   9. Hole drilled thru the handle #1 for elastic cord (#4) to go         thru     -   10. Hole drilled thru the handle #1 for strap (#6) to go thru     -   11. Keeper (plastic, metal or knot) to keep the elastic cord         (#4) from going thru the hole (#8)     -   12. Keeper (plastic, metal or knot) to keep the elastic cord         (#4) from going thru the hole (#9)     -   13. For those wishing a handle that is molded and very similar         to an actual bow handle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As stated above, everyone who shoots archery for long will eventually pick up bad habits including “target panic” which will often require many hours of practice and even expensive coaching at a shooting range to be corrected. Many of these people get frustrated when they can't take the time and incur the expense to correct the problems and will either live with their poor habits or quit shooting all together. In addition, most people who shoot a bow do not have 24×7 access to a safe shooting range yet archery is the same as most sports: practice makes for consistent performance and accuracy. The invention claimed here solves this problem. Using a 10-18 inch hardwood dowel or polymer which replicates the feel of a bow handle, an elastic cord (4) attached near the top and bottom of the dowel forming a loop 20-30 inches long and a D-Loop (#5) attached in the middle of the cord loop a person will be able to attach their shooting release to the D-Loop (#5) and replicate the entire process of shooting an arrow including releasing the string. The top of the handle will have 2 levels (#2 and #3) imbedded to show horizontal and vertical level. The bottom of the handle will have a wrist strap attached (#6). Our device can be used at home, at work, sitting on a park bench basically anywhere the person wants to be without worry of shooting an arrow in an unsafe environment.

The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928 represents a similar device, however our archery shooting device (The Perfect Bow Trainer) is a simple, easy to use and nearly fool-proof device that will provide an archer a method to train his (her) grip, anchor point, level, muscle memory, consistent release and mental focus to improve their shooting ability. In addition there is no chance that our cord (#4) can get caught up inside tubes (guides) upon release such as with U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928.

This invention is an improvement on what currently exists. U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928 represents a similar device). Our archery shooting device is a simple, easy to use and nearly fool-proof device that will provide an archer a method to train his (her) grip, anchor point, level, muscle memory, consistent release and mental focus to improve their shooting ability. In addition there is no chance that our cords can get caught up inside tubes (guides) upon release.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928 makes assumptions that adding weight in the handle is important yet that will do nothing but add a non-realistic feel to the grip and bow arm. The guide members or tubes will be prone to having the cord not releasing into the guide and therefore causing potential injury and certainly reliability issues. Not having a wrist strap can be a cause of injury and/or damage. A fixed sight, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,928 would seldom work because it is not adjustable to fit the “sight line” of the individual shooter. Without at least a horizontal bubble on a device it would not provide the important visual leveling that is important in consistent shooting.

Our shooting device consists of a simple elastic cord (#4) which is attached on the handle (#1) which forms a loop and at the center of the loop a D-loop (#5) is attached. This provides for an almost fool-proof operation and is nearly identical to holding an actual bow and shooting it. There are no guides that the cord must slip into; the elastic cord simply moves forward upon release replicating the shooting of an actual bow. We have provided a Wrist Strap (#6) which assures that upon release the shooting device does not leave the shooters hand potentially causing damage or injury. Our shooting device has bubble levels (#2 and #3) which the shooter can view when they are holding the D-loop (#5) back at their anchor point with their release which will assist them in knowing whether they are holding the handle (#1) in a correct level position. Our product replicates the entire process of shooting a bow except it's not a bow and there is no arrow. Ours is safe, reliable, easy to use, small, packable, light-weight, will build confidence in the archer, can be used anywhere, will teach newcomers how to use a release, will help with “target panic” and will build consistency in the shooter.

Also, it can produce: By engineering an elastic cord that would add 5 times the 12 pounds of pressure for an inch of the draw back but then reduce to 12 pounds you would effectively recreate the entire shooting process of today's modern compound bows.

The Version of The Invention Discussed Here Includes:

-   -   1. The handle is a piece of hardwood or polymer between 10-18         inches in length.     -   2. The horizontal level is a simple bubble level approximately         ¾-1 inch in length imbedded in the handle.     -   3. The vertical level is a simple bubble level approximately ¾-1         inch in length imbedded in the handle.     -   4. Elastic cord, similar in material to a standard construction         bungee cord 36-48 inches in total length and when installed will         provide 10-18 pounds of resistance.     -   5. The D-Loop is a common item, used in archery which is         composed of similar material that a bow string is made of and         may be tied directly to the elastic cord or be contained in a         ¾-1½ inch piece of polymer.     -   6. The wrist-strap is a piece of parachute cord or a leather         strip 8-10 inches in total length.     -   7. Thumb cover is a removable piece of molded plastic attached         to the handle with screws and will only be used if a person         thinks their thumb might be impacted by the elastic cord     -   8.Hole drilled thru the handle #1 for elastic cord (#4) to go         thru     -   9. Hole drilled thru the handle #1 for elastic cord (#4) to go         thru     -   10. Hole drilled thru the handle #1 for strap (#6) to go thru     -   11. Keeper (plastic , metal or knot) to keep the elastic cord         (#4) from going thru the hole (#8)     -   12. Keeper (plastic , metal or knot) to keep the elastic cord         (#4) from going thru the hole (#9)     -   13. For those wishing a handle that is molded and very similar         to an actual bow handle

Relationship Between The Components:

The handle (#1) will be smooth and forms the base for the product. It will have at the top of the handle 1 or 2 bubble levels; a Horizontal bubble (#2) and Vertical bubble (#3) imbedded into the handle. Just below the vertical bubble 1-3 inches below will be a hole (#8) with a second hole (#9) of the same size 1-3 inches above the bottom of the handle. The Elastic cord (#4) is threaded thru the two holes (#8 and #9) and secured on the back side of the handle #1 with keepers (#11 and #12). A D-loop (#5) is attached to the center of the Elastic Cord (#4)). The wrist strap is attached thru the small hole in the handle #10. The plastic thumb cover (#7) will be attached to the Handle (#1) and can be easily removed and will be reversible for right and left hand shooters.

How The Invention Works:

The handle (#1) is grabbed by the archer and the wrist strap (#6) is attached around the person's wrist and secured with a knot. If the archer is right handed they would grab the handle by the left hand. The archer picks up their release aid (not supplied) with the opposite hand. With the release aid they attach it to the D-loop (#5) on the cord still holding the handle in the other hand. They straighten out their “bow (handle) arm” to a point where they have just a slight bend; using the identical bend they would use when they are holding their own bow up in their hand (see Perspective Views—In use). With the release attached to the D-loop (#5) they pull back on the release and anchor the release exactly the way they would with their own bow against their mouth or jaw. They will check their form and the level in the bubbles (#2 & 3) and when satisfied they will release the release aid and the D-loop (#5 and attached to the cord) will be released and will spring forward at 10-18 pounds of pressure. Similar to the pressure exerted by the average compound bow of today. While they are doing this they can easily be watching themselves in a mirror to make sure their form is consistent and the release is smooth. Almost identical to shooting a real bow.

How To Make The Invention:

Cut a piece of dowel 10-18 inches long which forms the handle, drill 2 “¼to ⅜” inch holes, one toward the top and one toward the bottom. Purchase a 4 ft. piece of heavy-duty elastic cord material and insert each end thru a hole at the top and a hole at the bottom of the handle creating a loop, Secure the cord with a keeper on each end in the back of the handle. Pull the elastic cord away from the handle and at the exact middle place a D-loop on the elastic cord. Drill a smaller hole above the bottom hole where the cord goes thru. Place a piece of leather strip thru it and attach it around the wrist of the archer and secure it. Place a ¾-1 inch long bubble level running horizontal and another running vertical at the top of the handle. Place a removable molded plastic piece that will attach to the handle and will extend above the person's hand to prevent any possible “slap” by the elastic cord when released.

All the elements as described above are necessary. There are four (4) elements that will be added later: 1. A provision to allow the cord to be moved so that people with shorter arms could reduce the length of the cord to fit their draw length. 2. A molded (polymer) handle that would be similar to ones used by the various bow manufacturers which would be available to people who want the feel of a real bow handle #1. 3. A metal bow sight top of the handle that will be both movable (adjustable) and removable. 4. A padded wrist strap rather than that described as item 6.

The handle (#1) could be removed and simply have a continuous loop of elastic cord which you could place between your thumb and index figure that would remove the requirement of having a handle. You could then have a “protector” much like on a fencing sword attached to the cord and located between the shooters thumb and release aid. The handle could be mounted onto a stationary bracket on a wall or platform and drawn back in the same way as our device. The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment described hereinabove is further intended to explain the best mode known for practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An archery training device comprising of: A cylindrical piece having a certain length and comprising of a face, rear, two sides, a top and a bottom; wherein a hole is drilled through the width on the side of said cylindrical piece at a position towards the bottom of the length of the cylindrical piece; and two holes are drilled through the width on the face of the cylindrical piece, wherein one of the said face holes is located towards the middle of the top of the length of the cylindrical piece and the other said face hole is located below the above said side hole; wherein the said cylindrical piece further comprises of a notch carved in the face towards the top of the length of the cylindrical piece and above the said top face hole; wherein a level is inserted and secured in said carved notch.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each drill hole has a diameter of ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical piece can be comprised of different types of wood, and plastics, such as molded plastic, extruded plastic and others.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical piece is comprised of wood, and said wood is sanded and stained with a hard finish.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical piece has a length between 10 inches to 18 inches.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the said cylindrical piece has a diameter of ¾ inches and 2 inches.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the said level can be a bubble level with a colored liquid, and positioned vertically or horizontally or both vertically and horizontally according to the said carved notch.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the said level is between 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches in length.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the said cylindrical piece can have rubber caps secured and positioned at both the bottom and top ends so that the diameter of the cylindrical piece is covered.
 10. An archery training device further comprising of: a bungee cord having a certain length and two ends, wherein each end of the said bungee cord is strung though one of the two face holes on the said cylindrical piece, wherein each end of the said bungee cord enters only one face hole from the face of the cylindrical piece and exits in the rear of the said cylindrical piece, so that each end of the said bungee cord is now on the rear of the said cylindrical piece and the majority of the length of the said bungee cord forms a loop towards the face of the said cylindrical piece.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the bungee cord has a length of between 22 inches to 60 inches, and having a tensile strength of 40 lbs. to 250 lbs.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein one end of the length of the said bungee cord that is strung through the rear of the said cylindrical piece is looped back, so that the one end of the said bungee cord is towards the rear of the cylindrical piece; wherein the said loop formed by the said bungee cord on the rear of the said cylindrical piece is secured by a first and second pressure clamp, so that the said one end of the bungee cord is prevented from slipping out of the said face hole; wherein the second end of the length of the said bungee cord that is strung through the rear of the said cylindrical piece is looped back, so that the second end of the said bungee cord is towards the rear of the cylindrical piece; wherein the said loop formed by the said bungee cord on the rear of the said cylindrical piece is secured by a third and fourth pressure clamp, so that the said second end of the bungee cord is prevented from slipping out of the said face hole
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein a fifth pressure clamp is secured around the bungee cord located on the face side of the face hole opposite of the said first and second pressure clamps, so that the said first and second pressure clamps located on the rear side of the said cylindrical piece and the said fifth pressure clamp on the face of the said cylindrical piece prevent the said one end of the said bungee cord from being pulled back and forth; wherein a sixth pressure clamp is secured around the bungee cord located on the face side of the face hole opposite of the said third and fourth pressure clamps, so that the said third and fourth pressure clamps located on the rear of the said cylindrical piece and said sixth pressure clamp on the face of the said cylindrical piece prevent the said second end of the said bungee cord from being pulled back and forth.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein a string loop is positioned at the center of the length of the said bungee cord loop located on the face of the said cylindrical piece facing away from the face of said cylindrical piece wherein the said sting loop is secured with a seventh pressure clamp.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sting loop has a length between 8 inches and 14 inches; and can be further comprised of a material such as nylon.
 16. The methods of claims 12, 13 and 14, wherein an adhesive material is applied over the surface of each said pressure clamp, wherein only one side of the adhesive material is adhesive so that the adhesive side is directly on top of each clamp.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the adhesive material can be a type of tape, such as rubberized tape, Xtreme Tape™, or other such tape that will have adequate tensile strength to support 30 lbs. of pressure.
 18. An archery training device further comprising of: a wrist strap, comprising of a certain length and having two ends which is strung through the said side hole on the said cylindrical piece so that the middle of the length of the said wrist strap is inside the said side hole and each end of the said wrist strap is in front of the side of the said cylindrical piece; wherein the said wrist strap ends are tied together to form a loop so that the said wrist strap is prevented from coming out of the said side hole, wherein the two ends of the said wrist strap that are tied together are secured by an adjustable clamp.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the said wrist strap can have a length between 12 inches and 22 inches, and can be comprised of a material such as nylon or cotton.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the adjustable clamp can be comprised of a type of plastic. 